Olney v Northampton Old Scouts - 13th January 2024

Old Scouts made the short trip across the border having enjoyed the first half of the season, winning the majority of their matches and sitting close to the top of the table. Lord Baden-Powell would be proud of them. Olney are further down the table but no-one should predict the outcome based on league positions. Generous sponsor for today’s game was first class agronomist Mr Timothy Stanbridge and Agrii. This reporter has known Stanners for a few decades and always considers him to be a man outstanding in his own field.

On a chilly but bright day, three games at home and a large number of spectators, Doffs field was looking as good as ever. Many clubs across the country would be glad of this. Meanwhile, back to the match. The early stages were evenly balanced with both sides looking to attack but Olney were turned over a couple of times by an efficient pack of Scouts forwards. One of these turnovers led to a scrum in midfield where the ball was shipped out to their winger (a chap called Noah) and he went on an arcing run to beat the defence for the first try of the match. It was thought the floodgates may well open but Olney had other ideas and on their next visit to the 22, a pick and drive by the forwards gave Tommy Herman another try to add to his tally for the season. Olney had other chances but unfortunately missed out due to minor errors. Scouts forwards made the most of a couple of penalties from 5m to put themselves in front again after 20 minutes. When it looked as if Olney would level the score soon after, an interception by Noah the winger gave him a 95m run in and show that pace is an asset as he scored at the other end. A further try from Scouts right winger gave them the bonus point before half time and took the score to 7-26 in what was really a match more even than the score suggested.

Early in the second half, Olney were defending well but a gap behind was well spotted and when the chip through came their centre won the race to the touch down for the first score of the half. Olney stuck to their style of play so continued to attack when they could and were rewarded when Rob Morgan barged his way over from close range to narrow the scoreline somewhat. A Scouts attack from their own 22 took them to half way and a well-judged crossfield kick was caught by that man Noah who took it flat out to run in under the posts. Gaps appeared in the Olney defence from time to time and Scouts exploited one of these through the centre to add another converted try and take the score to 47-14 in their favour. Shortly after, Scouts scored another unconverted try wide on the left. Shortly after, Scouts scored another unconverted try wide on the left. That’s not a typing error, it’s just what happened in the game. This took the final score to 57-14 and someone feeling smug as he may have predicted the outcome based on league positions. Unfortunately, not the result that Olney were hoping for today but no real complaints as the better side won on the day as they were just that bit quicker and made fewer mistakes. However, judging by some comments as Scouts players came off the pitch, they knew the game was harder than the score reflected at the end.

While mentioning the subject of sponsors earlier, the club is grateful to all businesses and individuals who support the club in this way. You can repay this by using their professional services. If you need an electrician, estate agent, posh car, financial advice or are even about to die, then search first in our list of sponsors as there will be someone who will suit your needs, and if you mention the rugby club they will know that their support for us hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Not much on the gossip front apart from a story we heard that single man Plod Soman was chatting to a lady last week. It was only when she shoved her key ring down his trousers he realised he was about to be fobbed off.